[Doc44]

This 44 Magnum with serial number S147213 was shipped to Pete Kuhlhoff, Gun Editor for Argosy Magazine, in early 1956 (date unknown) on a no charge order as the gun was to be featured in one of the first articles on the new "44 Magnum". The top inside liner of the case has the S&W logo visible as the gun was to be photographed. This is the only case I have ever seen constructed this way. The article on the 44 Magnum appeared in the May 1956 issue of Argosy magazine and this gun was featured in at least three additional articles written by Kuhlhoff, Elmer Keith, and Lucian Cary (of True Magazine).

This revolver is roll stamped 44 MAGNUM on the right side of the barrel in small letters and numbers similar in size to that seen on the 1950 Target 44. I have seen this on the 44 Magnum shipped to Elmer Keith (S147220) and on what I believe to be S130927, the first 44 Magnum produced on December 15, 1955. Why this was done on only a few 44s is anyone's guess.

Bill

 

[xtimberman]

Wonderful!

My dad subscribed to Argosy, and I looked forward to reading about Pete's gun adventures. Mother tried to keep it away from me because of the occasional risque photo inside.

Gun writers were a different lot back then.

xtm

 

[onenut58]

That is beautiful.Doc did you see in the lounge where SaxonPig posted a link into e-bay where a set of cokes no where nears as nice as the ones on that gun sold for over 800 bucks.

 

[Geoff40]

Some day, I think your collection will be the subject of a book. It ought to be.
The red ramp is interesting...looks to me like it is configured high on the ramp, so that when sighting down the gun the entire visible to the eye front sight top is red. No black area above the red ramp, like we have on later guns. A prototype red insert job maybe? It almost looks like the entire front blade/ramp is maybe shorter in length than what they were soon producing, but maybe thats an illusion that only my screwed up eyes can see.

 

[carl418_resigned]

Absolutely beautiful..

 

[DHENRY]

Super gun and S&W history, Bill.
Was that gun on the 2007 calendar?
I think I remember those beautifully-grained grips.
Thanks for another wonderful post. :ymapplause:
Don

 

[Doc44]

Don...You remember correctly. It was on the cover of the 2006-2007 "44 Magnum Calendar".

Geoff...the front sight blade might be a little taller than those seen later, but the red ramp is placed about like all the others. I think the photo is a little distorted on the far end.

I followed those $885 stocks on ebay with considerable interest. Looked like two bidders, both of which had too much money to spend on an item worth less than half of the final price. I see there is now a pair on ebay with a buy it now price of $750. I hope they stay there without any takers.

Bill

 

[Ralph G]

Outstanding Bill , those grips are beautiful !!

Are there any copys of that calender floating around ??
How many of your guns were in it ??

 

[Doc44]

Ralph....the calendar covered the period, July 2006-December 2007, and was put together by me to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 44 Magnum in 2006. The calendar was sold by the S&WCA at our meeting in Salt Lake City in June of that year and the remaining few were sold over the next few months. The calendar featured twenty rare or unique 44 Magnums (eighteen are from my collection and two are from the collection of Chuck Odom) including the prototype 44 Magnum and quite a few engraved and gold inlaid guns. The Kuhlhoff 44 Magnum on the front cover and a 50th anniversary 44 Magnum is on the back cover.

I haven't seen a copy of the calendar for several years, but assume most S&WCA members kept the one(s) they bought.

This revolver was also featured on the cover of S&WCA's first color journal that was dedicated to the 44 Magnum and publish in the spring of 2003.

Bill

 

[Ralph G]

Thats something I would love to see !!

Is the S&WCA planning on doing something like that in the future again ?? Seems like it would be a good money maker for the associasion . Different calibers and frame sizes would be cool !!


Between you and Jim , you guy`s could fill quite a few years !! #:-s

 

[Doc44]

Ralph...The calendars sold well. I have asked a couple of Registered Magnum collectors to do a calendar commemorating the 75th anniversary of the ".357" Magnum in 2010. Tentatively, I think it will happen, but nothing is definite as it takes quite a bit of work.

Bill

 

[Ralph G]

Thanks Bill,
Thats something I would look forward too !! I can imagine collecting the photos and picking the right ones .
Its a great idea !!

 

[nosaintsfanatic]

Doc, that is one beautiful 44 Mag, as all of yours are. Thanks for the pics. :ymapplause:

You being the expert you are on model 29's might be able to help me with a question I have. I recently acquired a 29 no dash on GB, & want to get a pair of excellent condition Coke grips for it. This would be my first gun with Cokes on it. Can you tell me what I can expect to pay for a set of excellent condition Cokes? Thanks for any help.

Chris

 

[Doc44]

Chris...I would estimate $350 to $450. Seems like prices have gone up recently.

Bill

 

[nosaintsfanatic]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate it. Now if I can just find a pair.

Chris

 

[bmcgilvray]

Thank you for providing the photo and information. It's beautiful and a very historical revolver.